New Delhi, June 20: Rajinder Goel, one of the most celebrated figures in Indian domestic cricket, holds the record for the most wickets in Ranji Trophy history. Despite his remarkable domestic career, he never received the opportunity to represent the Indian national team. His popularity is underscored by a letter he once received from a notorious bandit, who praised his achievements while incarcerated.
Born on September 20, 1942, in Haryana, Goel developed a deep passion for cricket from a young age. His journey began in the streets and quickly progressed to the Haryana domestic team. With his exceptional spin bowling, he carved a niche for himself in domestic cricket, often leaving batsmen baffled by his turning deliveries.
Goel excelled at turning the ball on pitches that typically favored batsmen. He played 157 first-class matches, claiming 750 wickets at an impressive average of 18.58. He achieved the remarkable feat of taking 10 wickets in a match 18 times and captured five or more wickets in an innings on 59 occasions.
In the Ranji Trophy, Goel’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He took 637 wickets in this prestigious tournament, a record that still stands today. Former Indian captain and legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi once remarked that he doubted anyone would ever break Goel’s Ranji Trophy record.
Goel was a highly popular bowler during his era. He recounted receiving a letter from the infamous bandit Bhura Singh Yadav after he reached 600 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. In the letter, Bhura Singh congratulated him on his achievement and expressed his admiration for Goel. At that time, Bhura Singh was one of the most notorious bandits in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Despite his historic accomplishments in domestic cricket, Goel never won the selectors’ trust and was unable to secure a place in the Indian team. He passed away on June 21, 2020, at the age of 77, in his home in Rohtak, Haryana.
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